Evolution. It's for the birds.

Review: Before I Let You Go

This is possibly the most realistic book I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year! Nothing is simple, no matter how it may seem like it is, and nothing gets resolved, no matter how obvious the path to resolution is to those of us on the outer.

Rimmer says she had some prior knowledge and did a lot of research, but the result is so outstanding that I wonder she isn’t a psychologist herself.

Firstly, to anyone who has never had to deal with a heroin addict, let me save you some bother – they can be the most abusive person you will ever meet. Even one who is a total stranger will appear to know exactly what to say to push all your buttons. They are hands-down the hardest people to deal with.

But Rimmer managed to restore my empathy for those afflicted. She made me appreciate how complex the cause can be, and how convoluted the resolution is. As Rimmer herself says, “Addiction is ugly, but its victims each have a story and a life that matters.” Would I have been strong enough to do the same for my own sisters if they’d needed me this much? As much as I adore them, I sincerely doubt it.

This book is beautifully done, and while I’ve always struggled with understanding addiction, I would never EVER see the answer as enacting a stupid law of criminalizing substance abuse in pregnancy.

I challenge anyone to read this and think differently.

Again as Rimmer says, “in a compassionate society, there has to be a better way”.